Four-bike racks for cars are a great way to store your bikes without taking up too much space in your vehicle. It can be installed on the back of any car, SUV, van or truck. They can be used in both urban and rural areas with ease. There are many 4-bike racks on the market so it won’t a challenge to choose a rack that suits you best.
Keep in mind this before buying a 4-bike rack:
- Bike types you need to transport. If you have any non-standard frame bikes (women’s, kid’s, BMX) or heavy bikes (e-bikes), then it is necessary to check the compatibility before buying a rack,
- What’s your budget? If you are on a budget, then trunk 4-bike racks is the only option.
- Is it ok for you to lift up 20-50lb? Platform hitch 4-bike racks are the easiest ones in this sense, whereas when it comes to trunk and roof 4-bike racks be ready to perform some lifting,
- Hitch racks require a trailer hitch to be installed (of the right size and class), roof racks require crossbars and trunk racks do not require anything (installed directly on your car),
- If you have a new car, I would not recommend buying a trunk 4-bike rack since it poses a significant risk of scratching (or even denting) your car,
- Do you need to open the trunk while on the road? Keep in mind that you won’t be able to open the trunk with a trunk bike rack loaded. On the other hand, most hitch 4-bike racks allow doing so with bikes loaded due to the tilt function.
- Are your bikes expensive? Some bike racks (even premium ones) can easily scratch your bikes. To avoid this you should be buying a zero frame contact rack (there are plenty of them on the market).
As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click on my links (I would really appreciate it). Anyway, all ratings are not paid directly or not and are based on my personal experience. I hope you will enjoy the products. Thank you!
Best hitch 4-bike racks
There are many great hitch bike racks that can carry 4-bikes. Please keep in mind that some of them require buying an add-on, while others may have different versions (for example 2-bike and 4-bike, simply choose a 4-bike version if this is the case). Overall, hitch bike racks are the best choice for 4-bikes since the whole construction will be sturdy.
Kuat NV Base 2.0 (2+2) – Best hitch rack for super heavy bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
- Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
- Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 52 lb (23.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
Kuat NV Base 2.0 is a bike carrier that offers a 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receiver, and can carry up to four bikes with an accessory which will carry weight up to 60 lbs each. It also secures bikes without contact on the frame, making it an ideal solution.
Key Takeaways
- Even though it is quite expensive rack you won’t regret,
- It is super sturdy since it is designed for really heavy bikes,
- It is easy to install but keep in mind that rack itself is pretty heavy (52 lb empty),
- Easy to load bikes and access trunk with bikes loaded (thanks for tilt function),
- This rack is definitely recommended for bike enthusiasts,
- Designed to carry really heavy bikes. That’s why it is made from steel and rather heavy itself. For not too heavy bikes it might be an over-kill.
PROS
- Top-notch quality materials
- No assembly required
- The most sturdy rack on the market
- Can carry super heavy bikes and most bike types
- Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
- Proper clearance between bikes and no frame contact
- This rack won’t damage your car
- Goes in two receiver size versions (1.25″ and 2″)
- Compact when not in use
- Negligible mileage reduction
CONS
- Quite pricey
- Keep in mind that this rack quite heavy (52 lb empty)
- The hitch receiver must be either 1.25″ or 2″
Saris SuperClamp EX (2 or 4) – Hitch rack for heavy bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
- Total load capacity: 190 lb (54.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 63 lb (28.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
Get the most out of your vehicle with a super-secure bike carrier that securely holds two or four bikes. This is one of the best bike car carriers you can get. The SuperClamp EX is made from aluminum and plastic and requires a hitch receiver to be installed. It comes in two versions, which includes either two or four hooks of different sizes (depending on the model) and can hold up to 60 lbs per bike.
Key Takeaways
- It is worth the money due to overall quality and features,
- This rack is sturdy in general but some wobbling has been reported,
- This rack is easy to install and load bikes on,
- This bike rack can carry very heavy bikes (up to 60lb),
- Also, due to zero frame mounting your expensive bikes won’t get scratched so it is recommended for such bikes.
PROS
- High quality overall
- Easy to install and mount bikes
- Bikes are secure on the rack
- Can carry very heavy bikes
- Can carry most bikes (at-tire, e-bikes, women’s, etc.)
- Trunk access with bikes loaded
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks included
- No frame contact mounting
- Fits both receiver sizes (1.25″ and 2″) with an adapter
- No risk of damaging your car
- Reasonable mileage reduction
CONS
- A bit expensive
- Some wobbling of the rack has been reported
- Bikes will be close to each other
Yakima FullSwing (4) – Premium hanging hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 4
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 56 lb (25.4 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 2″
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
Yakima FullSwing is a bike rack that is affordable and easy to install. It works with 2″ receiver hitches and will hold up to four bikes weighing 40 pounds each. Quickly mount, remove, or switch between two bike carriers with its unique quick-release mounting system.
Key Takeaways
- This rack is rather pricey but it has innovative features and really well made,
- The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will be wobbling a bit,
- Easy to load bikes and access the trunk with bikes mounted,
- This bike rack can carry most bikes (except for heaviest models), but I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes because it will inevitably live scratches or even small dents.
PROS
- High quality materials
- Easy to assemble and install
- The rack itself is very robust
- Can carry fat-tire bikes
- Easy trunk access with bikes mounted
- Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks included
- Can’t damage your car
- Great aerodynamics (little mileage reduction)
- Compact when not in use (folds up)
CONS
- Quite expensive even though it is a premium brand
- Bikes will be wobbling (tie them up)
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes will require an adapter (sold separately)
- No clearance between bikes (will be hitting each other)
- Fits only 2″ receivers
Best roof 4-bike rack
You can easily accommodate 4 bikes on the roof of your car. So to speak, roof bike racks are pretty much suitable for this purpose. Simply buy four racks instead of just one and install all of them on your crossbars (they will fit, no problem).
Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars
- Type of mount: wheel
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Crossbar spread: between 16″ and 42″
- Empty rack weight: 13 lb (5.9 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes (sold separately)
- No frame contact
Yakima FrontLoader is a lightweight, durable, and cost-effective bike rack for your vehicle. It is easy to install and very easy to use. With Yakima’s expertise, you can be confident that the FrontLoader will safely carry your bike with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Really premium roof rack that worth every penny,
- A bike will be very sturdy (no wobbling at all),
- You need some muscle to get your bike lifted up to the roof of your car,
- Fits most bike types (even most fat-tire bikes),
- An excellent choice to carry expensive bikes because of zero frame contact mounting.
PROS
- High quality materials
- Easy to assemble and install
- Secures a bike very sturdily (no wobbling)
- Can carry most bike types under 40 lb
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Locks included
- No frame mounting (won’t damage your bikes)
- Won’t scratch your car
- Universal (fits most crossbars)
CONS
- Rather expensive since it requires crossbars
- Not that easy to load a bike on
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Thule TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy
- Type of mount: fork
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Thule TopRide is a great choice for cyclists who need a bike rack that can meet the needs of any bike, from road to mountain. Its durable aluminum construction provides years of worry-free use and it fits pretty much every bike up to 40lb.
Key Takeaways
- Premium fork-mounted rack with nice design,
- A bike will super sturdy on the rack since it will me secured by the fork,
- Quite easy to load a bike on. The only thing you will ave to do is to remove the front wheel,
- This rack is perfect for basically all bikes (fat-tire, women’s, kid’s, etc.). Expensive or carbon frame bikes won’t get scratched.
PROS
- Very well made
- Easy to assemble and install
- A bike will be super sturdy on the rack
- Universal (fits most bikes)
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not obscure license plate and taillights
- Locks included
- Won’t damage your car
- Looks good
- Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)
CONS
- Quite pricey as it requires crossbars to be installed
- You have to remove the front wheel each time
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Swagman Standard – Budget roof rack for carrying not heavy bikes
- Type of mount: fork
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 6.6 lb (3 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- No frame contact
Want to take your bike on the go? With the Swagman Standard, you’ll never have to worry about carrying your bike by its tires or getting it damaged by your frame. The Swagman Standard is built out of aluminum and requires crossbars to be installed and secures your bike by its fork.
Key Takeaways
- This rack gets the job done and does not cost all money in the world,
- Even it is rather cheap, it quite reliable and properly secures a bike,
- The installation is not that straightforward due to unclear instructions,
- This rack can carry most bikes under 35 lb. The width of the tire must not exceed 3″,
- Won’t scratch your bikes thanks to zero frame mounting.
PROS
- Very affordable
- Decent quality overall
- Quite sturdy
- Can carry most bikes
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Zero frame contact
- Low risk of damaging your car
- Fits most crossbars
CONS
- Not that easy to assemble
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- No locks
- Be ready for 10-20% mileage reduction
- You have to remove the front wheel to load a bike
- A bit noisy
Best trunk 4-bike racks
Trunk racks are not designed for carrying four bikes in general. However, there are few trunk models on the market that can do it. Simply choose a 4-bike version of the racks that I have listed below.
Allen Sports Deluxe (2, 3 or 4) – Affordable trunk rack that fits most cars
- Max number of bikes: 2, 3 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 9 lb (4.1 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
Allen Sports Deluxe Rack is easy to install, easy to use, and can hold up to 4 bikes. The rack is made with alloy steel and is installed directly on the car. It has quick release straps that secure the bikes by the frame and a lockable carrying bar that’s made of aluminum.
Key Takeaways
- Decent trunk rack given its price,
- This rack fits most sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs,
- Not that sturdy once installed. Moreover, bikes will wobble a bit,
- Relatively easy to use,
- Most bikes under 35 lb will fit out of the box,
- Not recommended for expensive bikes because bikes will be hitting each other which will result in scratches and dents.
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Universal (including fat-tire bikes)
- Does not require additional equipment to be installed
- Decent aerodynamics
CONS
- Not 100% strudy
- Bikes will wobble
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Blocks trunk access with bikes mounted
- Easy to steal
- Bikes will scratch each other
- Risk of scratching your car
Allen Sports Premier (3 or 4) – Budget trunk rack for budget bikes
- Max number of bikes: 3 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 100 lb (45.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 12.7 lb (5.8 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
Premier is the ultimate solution for carrying bikes on your car. Made from alloy steel, it does not require a trailer hitch or crossbars to be installed and can carry either 3 or 4 bikes up to 35 lb each (there are two versions of this rack). The bikes are mounted by the frame, not the wheels.
Key Takeaways
- Budget trunk rack for carrying more than 3 bikes,
- Not 100% sturdy. Moreover, expect bikes to wobble a bit,
- Not that easy to use (strap adjustment is a bit tricky),
- Fits most bikes under 35 lb, including fat-tire, women’s and kid’s bikes,
- Not recommended for expensive bikes because of low clearance between bikes (they will hit each other leaving scratches).
PROS
- Very affordable
- Universal as it fits most bikes under 35 lb
- Does not require anything to get installed (no trailer hitch or crossbars)
- Low mileage reduction
CONS
- The installation process is not that easy
- Bikes are not sturdy on the rack
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- No trunk access with bikes loaded
- Easy to steal
- Bikes will scratch each other
- Can damage your car (scratches)